Jandakot Airport, Perth: Elderly pilot, 73, rushed to hospital after plane crashes while trying to land at airport
A 73-year-old man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after his plane crashed while trying to land.
Emergency services were called to Jandakot Airport, in Perth’s south, about 1.15pm on Friday when the VH-POR De Havilland Chipmunk crashed.
About seven fire engines arrived on the scene.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries, WA Police said in a statement.
Officers from WA Police, St John Ambulance WA, Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services assisted at the scene.
A pilot is in hospital after an emergency landing at Jandakot Airport (photo)
Another pilot who witnessed the crash told the West Australian that the plane appeared to lose power after takeoff.
‘He had no choice. The plane was only at tree height when the engine failed,β he said.
‘He made a turn trying to turn but went sideways and landed straight on the ground.
βIt wasn’t even nose first; it just landed flat.β
The incident will be investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.